Appropriate manuscripts will be sent to up to 4 independent referees (most manuscripts are peer-reviewed by 2-3 independent experts), who have agreed in advance to referee rapidly. The editorial team makes every effort to give the authors a decision within six weeks.

Referees are asked to declare any competing interests they may have in reviewing a manuscript.

All peer review is closed - authors are not given the names of the reviewers of their manuscript, unless the referee elects to sign his/her report.

If an author is not satisfied with the decision made on their manuscript, they are able to contact the editorial office with an appeal. A second opinion on the manuscript will be sought where appropriate.